Thank you to Ian for this week’s MWB
The Holy Spirit gives warnings and promises through his prophets
The story of Israel continued in its cycle of turning to other gods, disaster and cries for help. Many of the kings who followed King David caused the nation to sin against God leading to a divided nation and eventually the exile in Babylon. During this period the LORD sent the prophets who in the power of the Spirit of the LORD, spoke God’s living word with strong warnings and yet wonderful promises of future hope. During that time of exile Ezekiel was able to say in ch.2 v.2 – “The Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.” Even in Babylon the Spirit of the LORD was speaking to his people through his prophets and providing wise leadership through Daniel.
Before the people went into exile Jeremiah was able to say (ch.29 v.11) -”’I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Isaiah was able to give more detail about that future in ch.11 v.2, speaking of a future descendent of David – “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him, the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” and again in ch.42 v.1 – “I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.
Even in Babylon Ezekiel was able to promise a future in which the LORD said (Ch.36 v.27) – “I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees.” And, probably after the exile, Joel was able to say in ch2 v.28/29 – “I will pour out my Spirit on all people, your sons and daughters will prophecy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” Wonderful promises of the Spirit of the LORD dwelling within us; empowering, enabling and guiding us in wisdom.
We are invited to fellowship with the Spirit of the LORD – a deep active partnership with him; let us seek to know him better.
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
Phil.2 v.1&2